Otago beat Waikato last night to win the log of wood ( Ranfurly shield ) for the first time since 1957. Congratulations to them but why on earth did it take so long ? It has been one of the true curiosities of Nz provincial rugby that despite Otago for many decades being one of the top 3 sides in NZ rugby and producing many legendary AB's -- they have lost dozens of shield challenges. Truly bizarre ! Anyway, they have it now and lets see if they can have a meaningful tenure with it.Otago beat Waikato last night to win the log of wood ( Ranfurly shield ) for the first time since 1957. Congratulations to them but why on earth did it take so long ? It has been one of the true curiosities of Nz provincial rugby that despite Otago for many decades being one of the top 3 sides in NZ rugby and producing many legendary AB's -- they have lost dozens of shield challenges. Truly bizarre ! Anyway, they have it now and lets see if they can have a meaningful tenure with it.

Congratulations to Otago! A solid win on the holders' pitch, and another sign that the provincial people have indeed reorganized themselves, not only financially, but across Otaqo rugby. Good to see some variety beyond the Usual Suspects. Also good to see hard-fought attractive rugby continuing through ITN/NPC - it is one of the linchpins of the national rugby structure of New Zealand.(as Currie Cup is in RSA). Mark L